Hofheinz-Fertitta

The Pavilion simply known as "Hofheinz" will be out of business following the UH-East Carolina game Sunday.

The gym for both the men and women will start it's $60 million dollar renovation thanks largely to the customers of Saltgrass Steak House, Landry's, Willie G's and about 350 other places owned by Tilman Fertitta. He should be allowed to play the final game but his eligibility has expired. Not, though, his credit and that's a great thing for UH.

The building opened Dec. 1, 1969. Like Sunday's game, the Coogs played a DIRECTIONAL TEAM, SW Louisiana. Houston won the first game 89-72. They went 16-0 at home that season and 13-0 the next. Their first loss didn't come until December 1971. Arizona State got 'em by one, 98-97. After 30 games they were 29-1 at home. The Pavilion was an advantage.

Over 700 games have been played in the current building, but it's way overdue for the major re-construction. From 1982-1985 the Cougars won 43 straight at the house that GUY V. helped build. The Phi Slama Jama team of 1983 still holds the single season attendance record, averaging 9,697. I am proud to report I SAW every one of those wins. My job was hosting GUY'S TV SHOW as well as reporting for Channel 2 sports.

Sunday, the UNIVERSITY has a big send off planned. A mystery GREAT ALUM will make the last basket following the game and MR. FERTITTA will walk the ball out the door. He should keep it as a $60 million souvenir. No one will object.